Toothache is the pain of the tooth or the gum. The causes are various:
The pain may be caused by inflammation of the nervous pulp within the teeth, due to the decay of the tooth and exposure of the underlying nerve tissues to air, heat, cold or the pressure of eating. Tooth decay is the result of the accumulation of food residues that mix with the saliva, attract bacteria and form a deposition over the teeth called plaque.
The plaque absorbs starchy and sugary materials from ingested food items and produce acid by bacterial action, which damages the enamel. If the acid is not cleaned up by brushing the teeth, it penetrates the enamel and forms a cavity through which bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth.
Inflammation of the socket of the tooth, following entry of bacteria into the tooth pulp, can cause intense pain. If the inflammation of the pulp is not relieved, suppuration and pus formation ensue, which inflame the socket.
The nerve of the tooth may die, and then inflammation of the socket commences followed by pus formation. The inflammation soon extends to the gum, and even to the cheeks and the lips. The pain is severe and throbbing.
The pressure caused by the accumulation of the pus in the socket either leads to a loosening of the tooth which allows the pus to escape through an opening on the side of the tooth. Otherwise, the pus may form an abscess at the root of the tooth and breaks spontaneously, forming a gumboil.
At the time toothache strikes, most of us think about consulting a dentist. However many of us, especially children, have an aversion towards a visit to the dentist and fear extraction of the damaged tooth and even root canal treatments. However, there are several effective and painless homeopathic alternatives to toothache.
Aconitum napellus is indicated when the face and the head get heated up, fever develops, and the patient experiences nervous agitation. This is an oral remedy, but a drop of the tincture can also be applied with a cotton ball into the cavity of the decayed tooth.
Belladonna is the remedy of choice when the pain is caused from the inflammation of the nervous pulp of the tooth, or of the socket. The indications include throbbing pain spreading all around the mouth, which is aggravated by mental exertion or exposure to open air, by the contact of food due to chewing, or by the application of anything hot. The mouth feels dry and gumboils may be formed. The dosage should be once in every two hours, until symptoms are relieved.
Phosphorus needs to be used the pain is due to the inflammation of the socket around the decayed teeth. One dose every hour needs to be administered.
Mercurius vivus is indicated when the pain is excited by cold, damp air or by contact with any hot or cold food item. One dose every hour needs to be given. When the teeth feel sore in their sockets without much pain the remedy is to be used only twice daily.
Chamomilla will relieve the pain when the pains feel intolerable, beating, or stitching, extends to the face and the ear and increase at night or by drinking anything warm, especially coffee. One dose every hour will be needed.
Nux vomica is especially suited for those with a sedentary lifestyle and possessing the habit of excessive intake of coffee or alcohol. The pains worsen at night, in the morning, and in the open air, as also when mental labor is performed. This remedy should not be needed for more than two to three days.
Pulsatilla should be used when the toothache is accompanied by earache and pain in the side of the head, the pain exacerbates in the evening or at night after midnight, while the patient is in a warm room or eats warm substances. Relief may come from cool air and cold water. The remedy needs to be repeated every one or two hours.
Bryonia is a valuable remedy when there are drawing pains with sensations of looseness and elongation of the teeth, especially during and after a meal, and when there is soreness of the gums.
Mercurius solubilis is indicated when holding cold water in the mouth relieves the pain that worsens at night, increased thirst is experiences and saliva content in the mouth increases. The remedy should be given three times a day before sunset for three days.
Sulphur, one dose in the morning for five days along with Mercurius solubilis should be administered when the toothache is aggravated by drinking cold water and hot beverages like tea as well.
Plantago major is to be used in cases of toothache extending to the ears and sensations of elongation of the teeth, two times a day alternating with Mercurius solubilis.
Kresosotum should be given when the pain shifts from one tooth to another and swelling of the face occurs.
Natrium carbonicum needs to be used when the pain increases by eating anything sweet.
Carbo vegetabilis is the treatment of choice when the pain is due to pyorrhea and swollen gums.
Arnica monataa is best for pain following extraction of teeth or bleeding from the teeth after filling cavity.
Coffea crudus is needed when the toothache is relieved by holding ice-cold water in the mouth, especially in children when there is great nervous sensibility.
Of course homeopathic is an alternative to treating or stopping your toothache. But when all fails to work for you, please look for professional service.
